Asbo man breaches his conditions for 20th time

An alcoholic has breached an Asbo drinking ban for the 20th time after being caught on the streets with a bottle of vodka.

Anthony Cockfield, 49, of Victoria Road, was banned from drinking and carrying alcohol in the city centre in July 2011, but was caught with the vodka on February 8.

Cockfield was also issued with an Asbo stopping him from entering Sidney Street, St Andrew’s Street and Petty Cury on January 23 this year – making an appearance at the magistrates’ court this week technically breached this second order.

This Asbo was also breached when, on January 29, staff at Boots, in Petty Cury, reported a man was drunk and being abusive in the store.

Laura Mardell, prosecuting, said: “He was in breach of his order by being there.”

Cockfield, who was also in Cambridge Magistrates’ Court yesterday for a theft from Sports Direct, was confused by the boundaries of the Asbo, the court heard. He pleaded guilty to the two breaches and the theft.

Christina Metcalfe, defending, said: “Despite being given, and me sending him a copy of the map, he lost it and was confused by the area the order covered. Coming to court breaches him of this Asbo.”

Miss Metcalfe added that Cockfield, who is unemployed, had a long-standing problem with alcohol and now has liver disease.

According to medical reports, Cockfield cannot function if he has not had a drink for a certain amount of time and becomes seriously ill if his alcohol level drops to low.

Miss Metcalfe said: “His mind does not work in the same way as ours. His health is in danger if he doesn’t drink.

When challenged, he said he was a policeman, and produced a packet of tobacco as identification.

Miss Metcalfe said: “At the moment he is trying to keep to his conditions, but he becomes drunk and disorientated and if he wanders into an area he can’t help it. He’s obviously confused.”

Magistrates admitted Cockfield’s necessary appearances in court had been previously overlooked in the terms of the original Asbo, and ordered a new Asbo which detailed that he could attend the court by appointment without being in breach.

He was also fined £50, which was deemed to be paid after spending hours in custody following his arrests.

Maybe, triphazard, but you don't know which particular poor decision led to his situation. For many, it was through circumstances out of their control, and street people with mental health problems are definitely in the category 'vulnerable'.